What exactly is espresso? And do you know which espresso machine to buy for home use?
Espresso is a specific style of full-flavored, concentrated strong black coffee. It is brewed by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground roasted coffee beans with an espresso machine.
Espresso is generally thicker and richer than coffee brewed by other brewing methods. Unlike most coffee, espresso has “crema” on top. This is a thin layer of golden creamy foam that adds to the rich flavor and alluring aroma of espresso. Espresso can be enjoyed on its own for its bold, rich coffee flavor, or as a base to create many different coffee beverages like cappuccino, latte, macchiato, Americano, or French Crème Brûlée Espresso Shot.
An espresso machine comes in handy for this reason as it plays a critical role in preparing a good espresso shot. If you are serious about producing barista-quality espresso right in the comfort of your home or office, you need to invest in one.
What actually determines a good espresso machine?
The ease of use, appearance, build quality, water boilers type, ease of cleaning, are several common criteria to consider while making your choice. However, finding the appropriate espresso machine can be a tricky process. With some guidance, you should be able to choose the best espresso machine to suit your needs and fit your budget.
So, I’ve picked 7 best espresso machines for you before you get one:
1. Delonghi EC155M
• Compact, space saving design
• Easy to use, easy to clean
• Single boiler
• 34 oz. water reservoir
• Affordable
A budget espresso machine for beginners that won’t break the bank. This machine makes smooth espresso for an entry-level machine. It is easy to use – just fill the reservoir, choose your brew, tamp the coffee grounds, turn it on, and brew. Surprisingly, this espresso machine is pump-driven instead of steam which draws out the true flavor of an espresso.
2. Rancilio Silvia
• Prosumer quality components
• Electronic control and automatic dosing
• 58mm commercial style and size portafilter
• Commercial brewing group
• 3 way solenoid valve
• 12 oz. single boiler
• 67 oz. water reservoir
• Stainless steel casing
A modern classic that has been around for quite some time. Rancilio Silvia is a solid single boiler espresso machine that is well regarded for its simplicity, durability, and robustness. It has become one of the most popular espresso machines on the entry-level market. It is capable of delivering excellent espresso and silky microfoam for your latte or cappuccino.
3. Nuova Simonelli Musica
• Elegant unique styling prosumer machine
• 68 oz. heat exchanger boiler system (single boiler dual-use)
• Simultaneous espresso brewing and steaming
• 58mm commercial chrome-plated brass portafilter
• Commercial brewing group
• 3 way solenoid valve
• 102 oz. water reservoir
The Musica is a sleek and beautiful espresso machine capable of producing professional quality espresso. Huge capacity heat exchanger boiler system allows you to brew and steam at the same time, which is very useful in high volume environments suitable both for the home coffee enthusiast and a small office.
4. Breville Barista Express BES870XL
• All-in-one machine with integrated coffee grinder
• Utilizes thermocoil (integrated stainless steel water path) instead of boiler
• Programmable volumetric
• 67 oz. water reservoir capacity
• Precise temperature control with built-in PID
• Pressure gauge
• Brushed stainless steel exterior
Grind, dose, extract, all in one! A unique espresso machine with a built-in conical burr grinder and PID. PID is a controller that controls the water temperature accurately during extraction for an excellent shot. You’ll be able to grind your coffee beans and dose directly into the portafilter in less than 1 minute.
5. Expobar Office Lever (Leva EB-61 1GR)
• Traditional compact design
• Classic E-61 commercial brew group
• 58mm heavy duty commercial chrome-plated brass portafilter
• 51 oz. commercial design heat exchanger boiler system (single boiler dual-use)
• Brew and steam at the same time
• 93 oz. water reservoir
• Unique lever control
• 3 way solenoid valve
• 2 pressure gauges
• Solid polished steel housing
A reliable commercial grade espresso machine. The Expobar Lever runs on the conventional classic design of E-61 brew group and heat exchanger boiler system. The commercial E-61 brew group is a well-known grouphead to be one of the best due to its thermal siphon design, which circulates hot water from the boiler to the grouphead and maintains its optimum temperature. A high quality espresso machine that is built like a tank with a great finish capable for everyday use.
I use this machine daily for a few years now.
6. Nespresso Inissia
• Super-fast warm up capsule/pod machine
• Compact and lightweight
• Easy with no mess
• Simple one-touch operation
• 24 oz. water reservoir
Designed to brew a single cup of espresso using capsules. The Inissia is suitable for people who are busy and have no time to go through the processes of brewing a barista-style espresso, but want to enjoy a good cup of espresso on the go. No mess, no prepping or cleaning is needed.
7. Rocket R58
• Handmade commercial-grade components
• Dual boilers of 20 and 61 oz.
• Dual PID temperature control
• Simultaneous brewing and steaming with great control
• 85 oz. water reservoir
• 58mm commercial portafilter
• 2 pressure gauges
• Electronics control
• World class body construction with polished stainless steel metal housing
Rocket R58 is a stunning piece of art which has everything that coffee lovers want. It is an impressive stylish espresso machine that brings café quality espresso into your home or office. R58 utilizes dual independently operated PID controlled boilers and a commercial E-61 brew group is capable of delivering consistent espresso shots and silky smooth microfoam simultaneously.
All of the above espresso machines were chosen due to their craftsmanship, durability, longevity, quality of the espresso they produce, and of course, the innovative features they offered. However, with so many choices of espresso machines available on the market, it is hard to decide which one to get.
Whether you want to go beyond and step up your game of coffee brewing will determine if it is worth diverging into the higher end models on the market.
If you are uncertain, you can always start with a basic machine and move your way up. In the meantime, you’ll enjoy a decent cup of espresso at least on par with what you’d get at a local café right in the comfort of your home or office while saving yourself some bucks in the process.
Article by Latte Art Guy
